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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

Dave Hamilton & Friends

Welcome to Gig Gab—the podcast sanctuary for working musicians and anyone fascinated by the vibrant, often unseen world behind every note played on stage. Whether you’re a musician, a member of the crew, or just someone who loves peeking behind the curtain to discover the secrets of live performances, you’ve found your tribe.
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Top 10 Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Cleaning Up Your In-Ears Mix...And Your Ears

Cleaning Up Your In-Ears Mix...And Your Ears

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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06/03/24 • 74 min

In this week’s Gig Gab, with guest cohost Daniel East returning to join Dave Hamilton, you dive into the essentials of managing your hearing and gear during and after gigs. Amanda’s question about affordable in-ear monitors (IEMs) leads to recommendations including the Sennheiser IE100 Pro and Juicy Earz, highlighting the importance of investing in quality gear without breaking the bank. Remember, the goal is to “Always Be Performing” at your best, and that includes protecting your most valuable asset – your hearing.

The discussion then moves to the finer points of creating the perfect IEM mix. They emphasize starting from zero, building your levels up gradually, and ensuring no two instruments occupy the same stereo space. Trust both your ears and eyes when adjusting your mix, and keep it simple by taking as little as possible from the main mix. Wrapping up, they provide practical tips on ear care, such as using ear bulb syringes and avoiding ear candling. Stay sharp, stay safe, and keep performing at your peak!

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - From Sit-In to Album Release: Heather Smith's Musical Journey
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06/10/24 • 41 min

In this episode of Gig Gab, Dave Hamilton is joined by Heather Smith and Paul Giovine, diving into the serendipity of musical connections. Heather shares how a chance meeting led to her cautiously getting on stage for the first time when Dave played with Simon Santiago five years ago. Last month, Heather released an record of her original tunes!

From her first time on stage with a band to releasing her own album, Heather’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence. She recounts how a Craigslist ad for a bass player unexpectedly turned her into a backup singer and then eventually into a lead singer...as a sub at first! Heather also reveals the struggle of starting her own band, Glitter & Camo, and the internal battle of convincing herself not to give up.

Heather, Paul, and Dave discuss the evolution of EPs and the importance of taking small, manageable steps to handle uncomfortable situations. They emphasize the idea that success often finds you when you least expect it, rather than the other way around. The episode highlights practical tips for cueing a band and the dynamics of playing covers in an original band. Throughout, the message is clear: Always Be Performing, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back from your musical ambitions.

Cover image from 2019, when Dave, Simon, and Heather played together (Heather’s first time on stage!)

The post From Sit-In to Album Release: Heather Smith’s Musical Journey — Gig Gab 433 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty

Refreshments & Rapport with Train's Matt Musty

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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04/22/24 • 66 min

In the latest episode of Gig Gab, Matt Musty, a seasoned pro known for his work with Train, Grace Potter, and others, joins Dave Hamilton to share invaluable insights into the diverse roles a musician can play—be it a team player in a band setting or a versatile session artist. Emphasizing the need to adapt, whether grooving to the iconic beats of “Drops of Jupiter” or navigating the unique demands of various venues like Blossom in Cleveland and Tanglewood in Massachusetts, Musty illustrates the essence of “Always Be Performing”. He stresses the importance of context, from the dynamics of performing live to understanding the subtleties of venue acoustics and audience vibes.

Navigating the complexities of tour life, including Matt’s time on the road with Jake Clemons on the S.S. Tina Turner bus, unveils a layer of touring rarely discussed— the social dynamics and unspoken rules like those governing the guest list. Tips from life on the road with musicians like Kacey Musgraves and interactions on the Grace Potter tour delve into the personal journeys artists undertake, blending professional commitments with personal evolution. Whether discussing the technical nuances of in-ear monitors or sharing a laugh about the quirks of tour bus life, the underlying mantra remains clear: wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, “Always Be Performing”.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Surprise, You're The Headliner

Surprise, You're The Headliner

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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07/18/23 • 49 min

In this week’s Gig Gab, Paul Kent and Dave Hamilton discuss the highs and lows of recent gigs, emphasizing the importance of delivering top-notch performances. They recount a canceled gig due to rain, revealing the strict cancellation policy that left them unpaid, despite perfect weather. Another Saturday gig faced multiple challenges, including a last-minute replacement bass player due to a COVID-19 test. Undeterred, they took the stage and powered through unforeseen setbacks, demonstrating their commitment to “Always Be Performing.”

Your two favorite weekend warriors also delve into the pressure of pleasing discerning audiences, sharing stories of gigs where last-minute changes and rivalries pushed them to excel. They touch on the benefits of chemistry within a band, adapting to new songs and challenges, and the simplicity of cover band gigs that allows for solid, enjoyable performances. Concluding with gratitude to the listeners and a brief break before their return in August, Paul and Dave reassure us all that they’ll always be performing, too, and delivering engaging content!

The post Surprise, You’re The Headliner — Gig Gab 390 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank!

Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank!

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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06/01/21 • 44 min

When can you buy off-brand gear and still get the quality you need without breaking the bank? Paul and Dave talk about a few experiments they’ve recently performed and their results with not-the-name-brand stuff.

Paul added a little Frank to his set recently, and it opens up a conversation about how to approach collaboration, in general. As Paul says, “a band is an exercise in compromise.”

Lastly, Dave’s played a few gigs recently which have expanded his thinking about approaching your in-ear monitor mix, and he shares those tips with Paul and all of you. Have your own tips? Share ’em with your two favorite weekend warriors at [email protected] and they’ll read ’em on the next episode!

  • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 306 – Tuesday, June 1, 2021
  • 00:06:25 Behringer B906 Guitar cabinet mic ($57 on Amazon as of show date)
  • 00:14:33 SPONSOR: Upstart. Whether it’s paying off credit cards, consolidating high-interest debt, or funding personal expenses, Upstart looks at more than your credit score and can offer you smarter rates with trusted partners. Visit Upstart.com/GIGGAB today to learn more.
  • 00:16:09 Adding a little Frank!
  • 00:19:11 The All Blues Gig
    • A Band is an Exercise in Compromise
  • 00:32:13
  • 00:33:32 More ears tricks
    • Remove the wedges
    • Set-it-and-forget-it
    • Add some reverb
  • 00:39:50 GG 306

The post Inexpensive Gear, In-Ear Tricks, and a little Frank! – Gig Gab 306 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone

Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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09/30/19 • 49 min

It’s great to get your band to a place where you can just get setup and play without any issues. That’s not always easy, mind you, but it’s great. Paul and Dave both have a few stories – and a few tips – about how to make this happen... and what happens when it doesn’t!

Crowd interaction is a critical tentpole of our “Always Be Performing” motto here at Gig Gab, and Dave had some interesting experiences with that this past weekend. Sometimes the crowd is too easy to engage, and that can present its own set of problems to be solved. Never fear, Paul is there to help solve them.

Lastly, a tech question about the right kind of mix for your in-ear monitors. Really, it’s a question that applies to any monitor mixes, so you’ll want to hear your favorite Weekend Warriors’ thoughts about that, too! Press play to get it all right now.

  • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 228 – Monday, September 30, 2019 <https://giggabpodcast.com/>
  • 00:00:57 Paul’s relocating
  • 00:02:52 Dave’s Three outdoor gig weekend
  • 00:11:18 Charlie Farren
  • 00:13:34 But we don’t want to be drunk
  • 00:15:23 No Power Porchfest!
    • “The band is so hot we blew out the power!”
  • 00:21:01 Props to the leaders!
  • 00:26:53 Asking Strange Questions From the Stage
  • 00:28:09 When you have a good sub!
  • 00:35:40 Find the Comfort Zone
  • 00:43:04 Adam-Should IEM mixes be pre- or post-fader?
  • 00:49:13 GG 228 Outtro

The post Finding (and leaving) Your Comfort Zone – Gig Gab 228 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152

Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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02/07/18 • 38 min

Sometimes it’s nirvana, and sometimes it’s a fight. The thing is, you never really know which way the gig is going to go until you’re in the thick of it... and then you just have to take it as it comes and deal with it! Whether it’s discussing the harnessing of the karma gods or the Facebook algorithm, your two favorite weekend warriors bring their A-game to you each and every week.

Speaking of games, Justin Timberlake’s performance at the Super Bowl is fair game to discuss in this podcast, and that discussion happened, too.

So much to say about so many things... press play, download, enjoy!

Chapters/Timestamps:

  • 00:00:00 Gig Gab 152 – Tuesday, February 6, 2018
  • 00:01:14 When every note is a chore?
  • 00:06:00 Nirvana Nights vs. Fight Nights
  • 00:07:00 Harnessing of the Karma Gods
  • 00:09:05 The Facebook algorithm vs. Marketing 50%
  • 00:09:40 Annual Children’s Musical Theater (CMT – San Jose) Cabaret Night fundraiser
  • 00:11:09 The flow of an organized evening when you’re not the focus
  • 00:13:39 Flipping the “ON” Switch
  • 00:13:50 “We’re all in this together”
  • 00:15:54 Hired guns vs. bandmates
  • 00:18:15 JT at the SuperBowl
  • 00:21:25 Invoking Prince
  • 00:22:43 In-ears for the entire Marching Band
  • 00:24:41 JT Super Bowl “for exposure” — except all expenses are paid.
  • 00:27:00 Does the NFL respect musicians?
  • 00:28:49 Paul Simon’s retirement message
  • 00:34:26 Songs from the 90s vs. Majestic Permanence?
  • 00:38:12 No Matter What – The fake ending worked!
  • 00:38:42 GG Outtro

The post Nirvana Night vs. Fight Night – Gig Gab Podcast 152 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98
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01/18/17 • 45 min

Dave’s back from a musical “destination vacation” so he and Paul discuss the merits of doing that for any band, including some that have ties to GigGab directly. Then, after Paul’s requisite Bruce Springsteen mention, your two weekend warriors share their favorite albums... and that includes another Springsteen mention! Listen to hear what inspires your music geeks here, then let us know your favorites over on Facebook, too. Download, enjoy, and always be performing, folks!

Chapters/Timestamps:

The post Live Inspiration, Sound Tweaks, and Desert Island Discs – GigGab 98 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85

Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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10/10/16 • 38 min

Another crazy week for your two favorite working musicians means another episode chock full of stories and lessons learned. Dave just finished one theater show and loaded his drums in for another. The show he just finished had him and the rest of the “pit” band prominently on stage, so there were some interesting on-the-job lessons there. Paul played his first show in a new club in a new area, and that taught him a few things about building a new following (hint: elbow grease is only part of it, but it’s a big part!).

Paul and Dave spend the remainder of this week’s episode talking about bandmate availability. Part of that includes reasons (good and bad) why you might not make yourself available for gigs, and the other is just the nuts and bolts of putting together a process to efficiently share that information amongst your bandmates.

How do YOU keep things organized? Let us know!

Chapters/Timestamps:

00:00:00 GigGab 85 – October 10, 2016
00:01:08 Dave’s between shows
00:07:50 Sometimes you can’t build trust
00:08:46 Gone are the couches, back come the bands!
00:10:31 Building a following with elbow grease
00:19:44 Beware the Hassle Factor
00:22:42 Managing availability?

The post Beware The Hassle Factor – GigGab 85 appeared first on Gig Gab.

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Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast - Healthy Hearing with Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger

Healthy Hearing with Music Audiologist, Frank Wartinger

Gig Gab - The Working Musician's Podcast

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01/08/24 • 66 min

This week on Gig Gab, dive deep into the world of hearing health with Frank Wartinger, a renowned music audiologist and podcaster! Wartinger emphasizes the importance of protecting your ears, especially for musicians and avid music fans. He introduces the “Dangerous Decibels Three Part Solution” – a practical approach involving turning down the volume, walking away from excessively loud sounds, and consistently wearing ear protection. He highlights the significance of being a considerate onstage neighbor and viewing your band in terms of ‘entrées and side dishes,’ where you’re often the side dish, suggesting a balance in sound levels. Frank also recommends various earplugs like Etymotic ER20, Loop, Vibes, and Eargasm, stressing on the need for filtered earplugs to maintain sound quality while protecting hearing.

Further into the show, the conversation shifts to the technical aspects of hearing protection, discussing the loss of specific frequencies during live performances and the importance of getting custom-molded earplugs for the best protection. Lists from JH Audio and Sensaphonics are recommended for finding reliable audiologists. The discussion then turns to the use of in-ear monitors (IEMs) and how to maintain safe levels to avoid long-term hearing damage, citing a 2008 study comparing stage monitor levels with IEMs. Wartinger and Hamilton remind listeners that in the world of music, it’s crucial to “Always Be Performing,” but that also means taking care of your health, especially your hearing, to ensure longevity in your career.